In the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s, family courts were fairly traditional when it came to child custody. In the event of divorce, the mother would usually get the children and the father would have visitation, for example, he would see his children every other weekend.

Under today's standards, most fathers would agree that seeing their kids four days a month is not nearly enough.

A lot has changed in the last 20 years as far as fathers' rights are concerned, and these changes have leaned towards equal parenting time, joint custody arrangements and custody schedules that give the father as much time with his children as the mother.

Do fathers have the same rights as mothers?

This is an interesting question, and the answer depends on which state you live in. Generally, if a couple is married when their child is born, the law automatically assumes that the husband is the child's biological father.

In the event a married couple divorces, the father has the same rights as the mother to ask for custody and child support.

On the other hand, if a man and a woman are not married when a child is born, paternity will have to be established. A father may voluntarily acknowledge paternity by signing the appropriate legal documents, or if he does not believe the child is his, then the presumed father, the mother, or the court can order a DNA test.

If the parents are not married and paternity has not been established, the biological father has no legal rights or obligations toward his son or daughter.

If a biological father wishes to be a part of his child's life and have the court make orders for child custody or visitation, then paternity will have to be established first. Otherwise, it's up to the child's mother whether he can see his child or not.

If you would like to learn more about your father's rights or paternity, use this directory to find a family law attorney near you.